I have requested a April 22 delivery date for my first order of chicks.

Is that going to be okay in Maine? will they have enough time to feather out beforethey need to be put out side?

Todd in Maine

-- Todd in Maine (todd.leeman@colehaan.com), March 15, 2002

Answers

Hi Todd Mine are coming April 17. It will be cold yet, but they will stay inside under a heat lamp for probably at least the first month, maybe longer depending on the weather and their feathers. I feel I have more control adding heat in cool weather than I do cooling them off in hot weather.

This is my third go at day-old meat birds. The first year I grew White Rocks which I got in July. Last year I tried a dual purpose meat bird that came in June. I'm getting these guys early because I want to have them finished and out of the coop before the long weekend in August, and then get another batch for the beginning of September. Also, I'm getting 10 ready to lay pullets that are only available April, so by getting my meat birds at the same time I only pay one shipping fee.

Only time will tell. Good luck with yours.

-- Bernie from Northern Ontario (bernadette_kerr@hotmail.com), March 15, 2002.

You should be fine because they need to stay in about 4-6 weeks. That would make it about June when they go outside and they will be all feathered by then even if you get a late cold snap.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 15, 2002.